Specialized Cutting Tools and Precision Taps by Taylor Tool
Taylor Tool is a leading cutting tool company focused on carbide taps and custom cutting tools for demanding industrial applications. With decades of experience, we design and manufacture high performance solutions for aerospace, automotive, and metal cutting operations across every industry in the USA.
Custom Carbide Cutting Tools for Every Application
Our products are engineered to meet the exact specifications your machine shop demands. From standard carbide products to specialty options, Taylor Tool delivers high-quality cutting tools that outperform off-the-shelf alternatives. Every carbide tool we manufacture is ground to tight tolerances, ensuring a clean edge and superior durability in even the hardest materials including aluminum, steel, and composite workpieces.
We offer carbide tools for CNC machining, including carbide cutting tools used in stainless steel, alloy, carbon, and other demanding materials. Whether you need a single custom tap or a full line production run, our manufacturing process ensures precision and repeatability for every application and order.
Drill Bits, End Mills, and Specialty Mill Cutters
Beyond threading, Taylor Tool provides a wide selection of drill bits, end mills, and mill cutters designed for high speed metal cutting applications. Our drill products include cobalt and solid carbide options with coatings built to withstand the demands of aerospace and industrial drilling operations. Each cutter and reamer in our line is manufactured to precise specifications for clean hole finishing and countersink work on aircraft and turbine components.
We offer different types of router bits, blade configurations, and shank sizes to match your spindle and machine needs. Whether you need drill bits for through-hole applications or specialty reamers for blind work, these products deliver the performance and tool life that your operation demands.
Precision Taps and Threading Solutions
Taylor Tool offers a complete line of taps designed for thread cutting in metal, alloy, and other demanding workpieces. Our designs include spiral flute, spiral point, and form taps for both through-hole and blind-hole applications. Each tap is manufactured from premium HSS or solid carbide to deliver consistent quality and extended tool life in any material.
We produce tools for screw threads, pipe threads, and specialized forms across a wide range of sizes. Whether you are working with carbon steel, high-speed HSS, or aircraft-grade alloy, our taps deliver clean threads with minimal burr and excellent chip evacuation.
Why Choose Taylor Tool as Your Cutting Tool Manufacturer
Taylor Tool excels at manufacturing tools that solve the toughest metal cutting challenges. We combine state of the art grinding technology with hands-on engineering expertise to produce carbide tools that deliver results. Our industrial customers choose us for quality cutting tools with fast delivery, tool selection guidance, and the durability to handle high performance machining in steel and other demanding materials.
Contact Taylor Tool today for a quote on your custom tap or specialty tool requirements.
Custom Tap Manufacturing Built to Your Specification
As a Canadian tap manufacturer since 1918, Taylor Tool designs and produces custom taps to your exact thread form, material, and tolerance — not off-the-shelf compromises. Whether you need a modified standard or a completely unique tool, our engineering team works from your drawing or sample to deliver a tap that performs in your application. Custom and specialty tap manufacturing is what we do, from one-off prototypes to repeat production runs.
Carbide Taps for Hard and Abrasive Materials
When high-speed steel can’t keep an edge, carbide taps deliver the wear resistance and rigidity that demanding, high-volume work requires. Taylor Tool produces carbide and carbide-tipped taps for hardened steels, high-silicon aluminum, and other abrasive materials where tool life and consistency drive your cost per hole. Each tap is ground to tight tolerances for repeatable thread quality.
Specialty Taps for Every Thread Form
Beyond standard metric and unified threads, Taylor Tool manufactures specialty taps for the thread forms general suppliers don’t stock — Acme, trapezoidal, buttress, Whitworth, BSPT, BSPP, PG, and more. If your part calls for an unusual pitch, an oversized or large-diameter thread, a left-hand thread, or a multi-lead form, we build the tap for it.
Tap types we manufacture
- High performance taps — advanced geometries and premium substrates for higher speeds and longer tool life. Explore high performance taps.
- Spiral point taps — push chips forward, ideal for through holes. See spiral point taps.
- Spiral flute taps — pull chips up and out, ideal for blind holes and stainless. See spiral flute taps.
- Form (thread-forming) taps — stronger threads with no chips in ductile materials. See form taps.
- Powdered metal taps — exceptionally uniform, tough substrate for heavy machining. See powdered metal taps.
- Custom tap sets — matched sets tuned to your job. See custom tap sets.
Custom Tapping Solutions for Manufacturers
Taylor Tool supplies custom tapping solutions to automotive, aerospace, power generation, and general manufacturing — from small job shops to the largest production lines. As a manufacturer rather than a reseller, we control quality end to end and offer fast, on-time delivery, including 24-hour jet-tap service for production-critical needs. Need a tap that doesn’t exist yet? That’s exactly what we make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Taylor Tool make a fully custom tap?
Yes. We manufacture custom taps to your exact thread form, material, diameter, and tolerance, working from your drawing or sample. Both prototype and production quantities are available.
Do you make carbide taps?
Yes. We produce carbide and carbide-tipped taps for hardened and abrasive materials where high-speed steel wears too quickly, delivering longer tool life and consistent thread quality.
What specialty thread forms can you produce?
Acme, trapezoidal, buttress, Whitworth, BSPT, BSPP, PG, metric, unified, left-hand, multi-lead, and other special forms — including oversized and large-diameter threads.
How fast can you deliver?
Taylor Tool is built around fast, on-time shipments and offers a 24-hour jet-tap service for urgent requirements. Contact us for current lead times on custom work.
Quantum high performance taps
Our Quantum line of high performance taps, with the stock sizes and part numbers.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Quantum PM4 high performance taps: stock sizes and part numbers | Complete stock list of Quantum PM4 taps in Class 2B (imperial) and Class 6H (metric) threads. |
| Quantum Taps: Ultra-Precision Threading Tools | Ultra-high-precision quantum taps for aerospace and automotive. |
Engineering data
Reference tables, formulas and guides for tapping and threading.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Eccentricity tolerances of tap elements (USCTI Table 317) | USCTI Table 317 eccentricity tolerances for tap elements tested on dead centers. |
| Form tap thread information and advantages | Form tap (fluteless tap) thread forming process, advantages, lubrication requirements, and hole diameter… |
| Metric Conversions: Fractional, Decimal & mm Chart | Complete conversion table for fractional inches, decimal inches and millimeters. |
| Metric tap recommendations for ISO thread classes 4H and 6H | Reference guide for ISO metric tap designations D1-D9 with pitch diameter limits for thread classes 4H and… |
| Optional neck and shortened thread tap dimensions (USCTI 302-A) | USCTI Table 302-A dimensions for ground thread taps with optional neck and shortened thread length… |
| PG steel conduit taps per DIN 40430 (80° metric thread) | PG steel conduit tap dimensions per DIN 40430 with 80° thread form (40° per side). |
| Pulley tap dimensions, ground thread (MCTI Table 310) | Complete pulley tap dimensions for ground thread taps, 1/4 to 3/4 inch fractional sizes. |
| Special fine pitch taps, short series (USCTI Table 303) | USCTI Table 303 dimensions for special fine pitch taps, short series, ground thread. |
| Standard pipe tap dimensions (USCTI Table 311) | USCTI Table 311 dimensions for standard pipe taps, straight and taper ground thread, 1/16 to 4 inch… |
| Standard tap dimensions (USCTI Table 302) | USCTI Table 302 standard tap dimensions for ground thread taps from 0.052 to 4.010 inches, including… |
| Tandem Acme tap dimensions: sizes 1/4-16 through 2-4 | Complete dimension table for tandem (dual style) Acme taps from 1/4-16 to 2-4 pitch. |
| Tap nomenclature: definitions of tap and thread terms | Complete reference of tap and thread terminology including bottoming tap, plug tap, taper tap, chamfer… |
| Tap recommendations for Unified and American National screw threads | Tap ground-thread limit recommendations (GH1 through GH8) and pitch diameter limits for Class 2, 3, 2B… |
| Tap terminology and design reference (illustrated) | Illustrated reference of tap terminology: blank designs, thread dimensions, flute geometry, relief types… |
| Tap troubleshooting guide: causes and solutions | Troubleshooting guide for tapping problems: thread size errors, axial miscut, poor surface finish… |
| Taper pipe tap thread limits and dimensions (USCTI Table 338) | Thread limits, projection tolerances, taper per foot limits, L1 lengths and tap drill sizes for NPT, ANPT… |
| Tapping formulas and calculations for UNC, UNF, M and MF taps | Complete formulas for calculating RPM, feed rate, and tap drill size for UNC/UNF and M/MF cut taps and… |
| Tapping speeds and RPM for imperial and metric taps | RPM conversion table for UNC, UNF, NPT, NPTF and metric taps at surface speeds from 5 to 150 SFM. |
| Taylor Tool high speed steel material chart and specifications | High speed steel grades used in Taylor Tool cutting tools: HSS M2, HSCO M35, HSS-E M3, and M42 HSS-E with… |
| UNC/UNF and Metric Thread Classes of Fit and Pitch Diameter Limits | Reference for UNC/UNF thread classes 1B, 2B, 3B and metric 4H, 6H classes of fit with H-limits and… |
| UNJ thread profile: controlled root radius (ASME B1.15) | UNJ thread standard (ASME B1.15) for highly stressed aerospace applications. |
| USCTI Table 303-A Special Extension Taps | USCTI Table 303-A defines dimensional standards for special extension taps used in deep-hole threading. |
| USCTI Table 352 Basic Thread Dimensions Guide | Complete guide to USCTI Table 352 basic thread dimensions. |
Special taps by thread form
Custom taps we make for non-standard thread forms, pipe threads and sizes.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Acme Tap Specifications & Custom Manufacturing | Acme tap manufacturing for trapezoidal thread forms. |
| API Pipe Taps: Thread Standards & Selection Guide | API pipe taps cut specialized threads for oil field tubular goods, casing, and drill pipe. |
| Special BSPP Taps: Custom Parallel Pipe Thread Taps | Learn when special BSPP taps are required and how Taylor Tool builds custom parallel pipe thread taps in… |
| Special BSPT Taps: Custom Tapered Pipe Thread Taps | Learn when standard taps fall short, key specs to define, and how Taylor Tool builds custom tapered pipe… |
| Special Buttress Taps: Thread Forms & Custom Solutions | Special buttress taps for high-load applications. |
| Special Extra Long Taps: When & How to Specify Them | Learn when special extra long taps are required, what to specify, and how Taylor Tool builds custom taps… |
| Special Large Diameter Taps: Custom Thread Solutions | Learn when special large diameter taps are required, how they are specified, and how Taylor Tool builds… |
| Special Left Hand Taps: Custom Reverse Threading | Learn when LH threads are used, how to specify one, and how Taylor Tool builds custom taps to your drawing… |
| Special Metric Taps: Types, Specs & Custom Manufacturing | Special metric taps for non-standard pitches, oversized threads, and custom applications. |
| Special PG Taps: Custom Conduit Thread Tapping Guide | Learn when standard taps fall short and how Taylor Tool builds custom PG taps in Canada. |
| Special Pipe Taps: Types, Specs & Custom Manufacturing | Special pipe taps for BSPT, BSPP, NPT & custom pipe threads. |
| Special Radius Taps: What They Are & When to Use Them | Learn what special radius taps are, when a custom thread form or root radius is needed, and how to specify… |
| Special Whitworth Taps | Special Whitworth taps for BSW, BSF, and British thread forms. |
High performance and specialty taps
Tap designs and materials for production work and hard-to-machine materials.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Fast Delivery Special Taps | Get fast delivery on special taps custom-manufactured to your exact specification. |
| High Performance Custom Taps: Engineering & Applications | High performance custom taps combine advanced geometries with tailored specifications for demanding… |
| High Performance Form Taps: Benefits & Applications Guide | High performance form taps create stronger threads without chips in ductile materials. |
| High Performance Hard Material Taps: Complete Guide | Discover high performance hard material taps engineered for demanding applications. |
| High Performance Left Hand Taps: Guide & Applications | High performance left hand taps deliver superior tool life in reverse-thread applications. |
| High Performance Spiral Point Taps: Guide & Applications | High performance spiral point taps push chips forward for faster through-hole threading in production… |
| HSSE Metal Taps: High-Speed Steel Advantages & Applications | HSSE metal taps offer superior hardness and heat resistance for demanding threading applications. |
| HSSE-C Cobalt Taps for Hard Materials | HSSE-C cobalt taps maintain hardness at elevated temperatures. |
| HSSE-V Vanadium-Enhanced Threading Taps | HSSE-V taps with vanadium carbides for superior wear resistance. |
| Special Form Taps: Custom Thread Forms & Applications | Special form taps create non-standard thread profiles like Acme, trapezoidal, buttress, and custom forms. |
| Spiral Flute Taps: Design & Application Guide | Spiral flute taps with helical chip evacuation for blind holes. |
Custom tap manufacturing
How we design and make special taps to your drawing or sample.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Special Purpose Taps: Custom Threading Solutions | Custom-manufactured taps for non-standard thread forms including Acme, trapezoidal, and buttress. |
| Special Taps: Custom Threading Solutions | Custom special taps for non-standard thread forms including Acme, trapezoidal, buttress, and BSPT. |
| Special Thread Taps: Custom Solutions for Unique Threading | Special thread taps for non-standard thread forms including Acme, trapezoidal, buttress, BSPT, BSPP, and… |
| Specialty Tap Manufacturing | Taylor Tool manufactures specialty taps for unique thread forms, exotic materials, and demanding applications. |
Specialty Tap Manufacturing at Taylor Tool
Specialty taps are custom-manufactured internal threading tools made to a customer’s drawing or sample when a catalog tap cannot meet the thread form, material or tolerance. Taylor Tool is a Canadian manufacturer, not a reseller, of special taps, reamers and dies since 1918. Our specialty taps thread parts for automotive, aerospace and power generation customers, from one-off prototypes to repeat production runs. If your part calls for a non-standard profile, see our guide to custom Acme tap manufacturing.
Specialty Tap Specifications at a Glance
Taylor Tool builds specialty taps to your thread form, substrate, geometry and tolerance rather than from a fixed catalog. The table below summarizes the options we can build to.
| Specification | Options |
|---|---|
| Thread forms | Acme, trapezoidal, buttress, Whitworth, BSPT, BSPP, PG, metric, unified, left-hand, multi-lead |
| Substrates | HSS, HSSE, cobalt, solid carbide, carbide-tipped, powdered metal |
| Flute / geometry | Spiral point (through holes), spiral flute (blind holes), form taps (no chips) |
| Coating | Titanium nitride (TiN) |
| Hardness cited | Hardened steels above 35 HRC |
| Quote inputs | Customer drawing or sample |
Tolerances and size ranges are set by your specification, so confirm them with our sales team when you quote. For thread-form detail, see our special thread taps and special buttress taps pages.
Applications and Materials
Specialty taps serve automotive, aerospace, power generation and general manufacturing, from small job shops to large production lines. They are typically specified where standard tooling stops: hardened steels above 35 HRC, high-silicon aluminum, stainless steel, aerospace alloys such as Inconel and titanium, and abrasive composites.
Common use cases include:
- Non-standard thread forms with no catalog equivalent
- Left-hand threads and multi-lead forms
- Unusual pitches
- Oversized or large-diameter threads
- Legacy Whitworth and pipe thread repair
Where tool life and cost per hole drive the decision, our high performance custom taps pair advanced geometries with premium substrates. For matched tooling across a job, see custom tap sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a specialty tap and when do I need one?
A specialty tap is a custom-made threading tool built to your drawing or sample. You need one when the thread form, material or tolerance falls outside what a catalog tap delivers, such as Acme, buttress or PG threads, left-hand or multi-lead forms, or hardened and abrasive workpieces.
Which specialty thread forms does Taylor Tool make?
We make taps for Acme, trapezoidal, buttress, Whitworth, BSPT, BSPP and PG threads, along with metric and unified forms. We also build left-hand, multi-lead, unusual-pitch and oversized or large-diameter taps.
Can I order a single prototype tap?
Yes. Taylor Tool produces custom taps from one-off prototypes through repeat production runs. We work from your drawing or sample, so a single tap is a normal request.
When should I choose carbide over HSS?
Choose carbide when high-speed steel cannot hold an edge, typically in hardened steels, high-silicon aluminum and other abrasive materials. Carbide’s wear resistance and rigidity help protect tool life and consistency in demanding, high-volume work.
What information do I send for a quote?
Send your drawing or a sample, plus the thread form, workpiece material and required tolerance. Our engineering team works from that information to specify the right tap.
US Availability and Lead Time
Taylor Tool ships to the United States and is expanding its US distribution network and US sales representatives. For ordering information, current lead times and distributor availability in your region, contact our sales team at 1-800-265-2145 or 1-855-221-8277.
For urgent needs, ask about our 24-hour jet-tap service. Lead times for custom work are confirmed on request, based on your specification.